Dehumidifying apparatus and dehumidifying system

ABSTRACT

A dehumidifying apparatus includes a tubular vortex-effect generating portion, a gas inflow portion generating a swirling flow of a gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion by allowing a gas to be dehumidified to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion, a dew-condensation generating portion arranged at a place where a gas reduced in temperature flows in gases separated into a swirling flow reduced in temperature to be lower than a dew point of the gas and a swirling flow increased in temperature inside the vortex-effect generating portion, and generating dew condensation on a surface thereof, a moisture collecting portion collecting condensed moisture and a gas outflow portion provided at an end portion on a downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion, from which the gas flowing from the gas inflow portion flows out.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-175264, filed on Sep. 8, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dehumidifying apparatus.

BACKGROUND

As related-art dehumidifying apparatuses, dehumidifying apparatuses according to Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3 are known. A dehumidifying apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is an apparatus that cools air to be a target dew point temperature and removes condensed moisture by using a principle that relative humidity is increased when air is cooled and water vapor becomes water when exceeding saturation, which adopts a common humidifying system.

A heat pump having good energy efficiency is widely used as an apparatus for cooling air. However, in the system of performing dehumidification by cooling air as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, air is cooled too much and humidity is left to take its own course, therefore, the system is making transition to a system called reheat dehumidification, that is, a system in which air cooled and dehumidified once is blown out after being heated on a high-temperature side of the heat pump.

A dehumidifying apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is an apparatus directly adsorbing and separating moisture by using a desiccating agent (silica gel, geolite or the like), which is called a desiccant system. In this system, it is necessary to desorb moisture by giving heat to allow a desiccant, which has adsorbed moisture, to be used again. In order to continuously perform the adsorption and reproduction, a cylindrical desiccant rotor is often used.

A dehumidifying apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 3 is a dehumidifying apparatus for compressed air performing dehumidification when an input pressure is extremely high, which differs from the above dehumidifying systems used for common air conditioning. The dehumidifying apparatus has a system in which air is fed from a nozzle in a swirling manner to reduce the temperature of air and to generate dew condensation by adiabatic expansion, and the dew condensation is gathered by a swirling flow on an outer side and is collected.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent No. 3736590

[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent No. 4661170

[Patent Literature 3] JP-A-9-327612

SUMMARY

In the case of cooling-type dehumidification disclosed in Patent Literature 1, it is necessary to reduce the temperature of air in accordance with an amount of dehumidification at the time of performing dehumidification as the dehumidification is performed by cooling air in the system. It is difficult to separately control humidity and air temperature, and humidity and air temperature are simultaneously changed, therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform control to obtain a target humidity and temperature. Accordingly, for example, in a case where the temperature of a refrigerant on the cooling side is high, there is a problem that air is not capable of being cooled sufficiently and dehumidification is not sufficiently performed.

In the case of the desiccant-type dehumidification disclosed in Patent Literature 2, it is possible to separately control temperature and humidity as compared with the cooling-type dehumidification disclosed in Patent Literature 1 as the dehumidification is performed by directly absorbing moisture. However, in the case of the desiccant-type dehumidification, there is a problem that it is necessary to increase the temperature for reproducing a desiccant and a heat source for heating not relating to dehumidification is required. Accordingly, it is necessary to collect and utilize heat as much as possible for saving energy, which inevitably upsizes and complicates the entire apparatus due to installation of plural rotors including a function of heat exchange and so on.

The dehumidifying apparatus for compressed air disclosed in Patent Literature 3 is capable of rapidly cooling air by adiabatic expansion occurring when blowing out air, therefore, temperature and humidity can be separately controlled as compared with the cooling-type dehumidification disclosed in Patent Literature 1. In addition, high temperature for reproduction in the dehumidifying apparatus as in the desiccant-type dehumidification disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is not necessary. However, the dehumidifying apparatus for compressed air is an apparatus that expands a gas by reducing a flow rate of the gas by utilizing a throttle mechanism, such as a nozzle, as a gas expansion mechanism. Therefore, a pressure loss is necessarily large and the gas flow rate is reduced when the gas temperature is reduced as characteristics. Accordingly, there is a problem that a compressor requiring further large energy is necessary for compensating a large pressure loss.

Furthermore, as a supercooled state in which dew condensation is not generated even in a dew point temperature or less exists in the dehumidification system disclosed in Patent Literature 3, further reduction of temperature is necessary for decreasing temperature to be low enough to condense air. However, gas is expanded by reducing the gas flow rate using the throttle mechanism in the system disclosed in Patent Literature 3. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to feed air at high pressure for further decreasing temperature of the gas, which requires further large energy.

The present invention has been made for solving the above problems and an object thereof is to provide a dehumidifying apparatus and a dehumidifying system capable of separately controlling humidity and temperature and increasing efficiency of dehumidification while saving energy without necessity of reproduction of a material, such as in the desiccant type dehumidification.

A dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention includes a tubular vortex-effect generating portion, a gas inflow portion generating a swirling flow of a gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion by allowing a gas to be dehumidified that is pressure-fed from an upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion, or a gas to be dehumidified that is sucked from the upstream side to a downstream side to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion, a dew-condensation generating portion arranged at a place where a gas reduced in temperature flows in gases separated into a swirling flow reduced in temperature to be lower than a dew point of the gas and a swirling flow increased in temperature inside the vortex-effect generating portion, and generating dew condensation on a surface thereof, a moisture collecting portion collecting condensed moisture and a gas outflow portion provided at an end portion on the downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion on the opposite side of the upstream side where the gas outflow portion is provided, from which the gas flowing from the gas inflow portion flows out.

In a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the vortex-effect generating portion may have an annular shape in cross section, the gas inflow portion may generate the swirling flow of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion by allowing the gas to be dehumidified into the vortex-effect generating portion from a tangential direction of an inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion, the dew-condensation generating portion may be arranged at a position of a central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion or a position in the vicinity of the central axis, and the gas outflow portion may be arranged on the end portion on the downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the gas inflow portion may allow the gas to be dehumidified to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion from a side surface of the vortex-effect generating portion.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the gas inflow portion may allow the gas to be dehumidified to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion from an end surface on the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion.

Also in structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of gas inflow portions may be arranged around the central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion at equal angular intervals.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the vortex-effect generating portion may have a shape in which areas of cross sections perpendicular to the central axis of a pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows are reduced from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the vortex-effect generating portion may have a tubular first vortex-effect generating portion with an annular shape in cross section, and a tubular second vortex-effect generating portion with an annular shape in cross section connected so that a pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows communicates with an end portion on a downstream side of a pipe of the first vortex-effect generating portion and having a place in which an area of a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the pipe is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the pipe of the first vortex-effect generating portion, the gas inflow portion may allow the gas to be dehumidified to flow into the first vortex-effect generating portion from an upstream side of the first vortex-effect generating portion, the dew-condensation generating portion may be arranged at a place where the gas reduced in temperature flows in at least one of the first and second vortex-effect generating portions, and the gas outflow portion may be provided at an end portion on a downstream side of the second vortex-effect generating portion.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the dew-condensation generating portion may have a columnar or cylindrical shape arranged along the central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the dew-condensation generating portion may have at least one structure of concave portions and convex portions on a surface thereof.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the dew-condensation generating portion may have a structure of any of a concave portion and a convex portion wound around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion in the same direction as the swirling flow of the gas flowing in the vicinity of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the dew-condensation generating portion may have a hydrophilic portion on at least part of the surface thereof.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the moisture collecting portion may collect moisture blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion by the swirling flow of the gas to be dehumidified and through gravity.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, the moisture collecting portion may collect moisture generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion before being blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion by the swirling flow of the gas to be dehumidified and gravity.

Also in a structural example of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention, when the vortex-effect generating portion, the gas inflow portion, the dew-condensation generating portion, the moisture collecting portion, and the gas outflow portion are regarded as one unit, a plurality of units may be cascade connected so that a gas outflow portion of a previous-stage unit is connected to a gas inflow portion of a next-stage unit.

A dehumidifying system according to the present invention includes the dehumidifying apparatus, a pump mechanism sucking a dehumidified gas from a gas outflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus, and a connecting flow path connecting between the gas outflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus and the pump mechanism.

A dehumidifying system also according to the present invention includes the dehumidifying apparatus, a pump mechanism pressure feeding a gas to be dehumidified to a gas inflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus and a connecting flow path connecting between the pump mechanism and the gas inflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus.

According to the present invention, the dehumidifying apparatus includes the vortex-effect generating portion, the gas inflow portion, the dew-condensation generating portion, the moisture collecting portion and the gas outflow portion. Therefore, it is possible to realize a dehumidifying apparatus capable of separately controlling humidity and temperature and increasing efficiency of dehumidification while saving energy without necessity of reproduction of a material, such as in the desiccant type dehumidification.

In the present invention, the gas to be dehumidified is allowed to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion from the side surface of the vortex-effect generating portion, thereby allowing a large amount of gas to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion and the flowing gas can be swirled stably.

Also in the present invention, the gas to be dehumidified is allowed to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion from the end surface on the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion, thereby realizing connection with a small pressure loss when a pipe with the same diameter as an inner diameter of the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion is connected to the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion to supply the gas to be dehumidified.

Also in the present invention, a plurality of gas inflow portions are arranged around the central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion at equal angular intervals, thereby reducing occurrence of eccentricity in the center of the gas swirling flow generated inside the vortex-effect generating portion or distortion of vectors of the gas flow with respect to an ideal circular shape. As a result, a stable swirling flow with a small energy loss can be obtained.

Also in the present invention, the vortex-effect generating portion is allowed to have a shape in which areas of cross sections perpendicular to the central axis of a pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows are reduced from the upstream side toward the downstream side, thereby creating a further lower temperature of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion and improving efficiency of dehumidification.

Also in the present invention, the vortex-effect generating portion is separated into two vortex-effect generating portions having different cross-sectional areas, thereby generating the vortex effect more effectively and creating a low temperature efficiently. As a result, efficiency in dehumidification can be improved in the present invention.

Also in the present invention, at least one structure of concave portions and convex portions is provided on a surface of the dew-condensation generating portion, thereby increasing generation of dew condensation by increasing the surface area of the dew-condensation generating portion. As a result, efficiency in dehumidification can be improved.

Also in the present invention, a structure of any of a concave portion and a convex portion wound around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion in the same direction as the swirling flow of the gas flowing in the vicinity of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion is provided in the dew-condensation generating portion, thereby increasing generation of dew condensation by increasing the surface area of the dew-condensation generating portion and gathering generated water drops in a target direction with a small resistance with respect to the swirling flow of the gas. As a result, efficiency in dehumidification can be improved.

Also in the present invention, a hydrophilic portion is provided on at least part of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion, thereby moving water drops generated in the dew-condensation generating portion in a target direction. As a result, efficiency in dehumidification can be improved.

Also in the present invention, the moisture collecting portion has a structure in which moisture blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion is collected by the swirling flow of the gas to be dehumidified and gravity, thereby collecting water drops generated in the dew-condensation generating portion efficiently.

Also in the present invention, the moisture collecting portion has a structure in which moisture generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion is collected by the swirling flow of the gas to be dehumidified and gravity before being blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion, thereby collecting water drops generated in the dew-condensation generating portion more efficiently.

Also in the present invention, when the vortex-effect generating portion, the gas inflow portion, the dew-condensation generating portion, the moisture collecting portion, and the gas outflow portion are regarded as one unit, a plurality of units are cascade connected so that a gas outflow portion of a previous-stage unit is connected to a gas inflow portion of a next-stage unit, thereby improving dehumidifying ability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively. showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view shown by enlarging a gas inflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A-12D are perspective views and cross-sectional views showing structures of dew-condensation generating portions of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views showing structures of dew-condensation generating portions of a dehumidifying apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views showing structures of dew-condensation generating portions of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views showing structures of dehumidifying apparatuses according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views showing structures of dehumidifying apparatuses according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a structure of dehumidifying system according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing another structure of the dehumidifying system according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention adopts a method of creating a low temperature efficiently with small power by utilizing a vortex effect; the temperature of a gas in a high-speed swirling flow is reduced at a central part of the flow and is increased in an outer side of the flow, instead of adopting the method requiring large power for decreasing temperature by blowing out a gas from a nozzle as in the dehumidifying apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 3. However, if the temperature in the central part in the swirling of the gas is reduced to be lower than a dew point of the gas for generating dew condensation by utilizing the vortex effect, there exists a state where dew condensation is not generated even when not exceeding a saturation point, which is called supercooling. Accordingly, the temperature has to be further reduced lower than the dew point for generating dew condensation, which requires extra energy.

The inventors have turned their attention to the fact that there is a room for improvement in the supercooled state. There is a common method for promoting condensation of moisture by mixing objects to be nuclei, such as smoke, dust or silver iodide, for promoting dew condensation. However, it is necessary to put objects to be nuclei from the outside in such a method, and condensed moisture may affect an environment depending on components of objects to be nuclei. The inventors have arrived at an arrangement of a dew-condensation generating portion in a vortex-effect generating portion so as to promote condensation inside, instead of introducing objects to be nuclei from the outside.

In order to generate dew condensation while alleviating the supercooled state, for example, a bar-shaped dew-condensation generating portion that promotes dew condensation is arranged in a central part of the vortex-effect generating portion. Accordingly, when a temperature in the central part of the swirling flow of air in the vortex-effect generating portion is reduced, heat is drawn from the dew-condensation generating portion to thereby reduce the temperature of the dew-condensation generating portion. As the moisture in air that contacts the dew-condensation generating portion generates dew condensation on a surface of the dew-condensation generating portion, dew condensation can be started at a temperature higher than a state where the dew-condensation generating portion is not provided.

That is, in the present invention, consumption of extra energy can be reduced to improve efficiency of dehumidification. Furthermore, as air swirls, the time during which the dew-condensation generating portion, the temperature of which is reduced, contacts air becomes longer as compared with a case where air flows in a straight line, which can increase an amount of dew condensation.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1(A) is a perspective view of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 1(B) is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying apparatus of FIG. 1(A). The dehumidifying apparatus according to the embodiment includes a tubular vortex-effect generating portion 1 with an annular shape in cross section, a gas inflow portion 2 generating a swirling flow of a gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1 by allowing a gas to be dehumidified that is pressure-fed or sucked from the outside to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 from a tangential direction of an inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, a dew-condensation generating portion 3 arranged at a place where a low-temperature gas flows in gases separated into a high-temperature gas and the low-temperature gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1 by the swirling flow and generating dew condensation on a surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3, a moisture collecting portion 4 for collecting condensed moisture, and a gas outflow portion 5 provided on a downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 that is on the opposite side of an upstream side where the gas inflow portion 2 is provided, from which the gas flowing from the gas inflow portion 2 flows out.

In FIG. 1, 10 denotes a gas inflow direction, 23 denotes a central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, and 50 denotes a gas outflow direction. Moreover, 201 denotes a swirling flow of a gas, 202 denote water drops generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion 3, 203 denote water drops blown off to the outside by the swirling flow, and 204 denote water drops accumulated in the moisture collecting portion 4.

A vortex tube is an apparatus for taking air and dividing the air into cool air and hot air, and the vortex-effect generating portion 1 according to the embodiment is also a kind of vortex tube, though the vortex-effect generating portion 1 according to the embodiment differs in a point that a gas flowing from the gas inflow portion 2 is allowed to flow out from one gas outflow portion 5.

Hereinafter, operations of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the embodiment will be explained. A gas to be dehumidified that is pressure-fed by a not-shown pump mechanism arranged on the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 or a gas to be dehumidified that is sucked by a not-shown pump mechanism arranged on the downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 flows into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 from the gas inflow portion 2. At this time, the gas to be dehumidified is allowed to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 from the tangential direction of the inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, thereby swirling the gas to be dehumidified in a spiral manner along the inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1.

As the gas is allowed to flow from a side surface of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 in the structure of the gas inflow portion 2 according to the embodiment, a large amount of gas is allowed to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 and the flowing gas can be swirled stably. The details of the pump mechanism will be explained in a later-described embodiment.

It is known that the spiral-shaped swirling flow of the gas generated inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is separated into: a swirling flow the temperature of which is lower than a dew point of the gas, which flows in the vicinity of the central axis 23 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1; and a swirling flow the temperature of which is higher, which flows in the vicinity of the inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, as shown by 201 in FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B) (vortex effect).

Note that the vortex effect and an exemplary vortex tube (vortex-effect generating portion 1) are disclosed in, for example, a literature “pneumatic series” PDF catalogue, SANWA ENTERPRISE COMPANY, LTD. http://www.sanwa-ent.cajp/datasheet/Pneumatic2011R_s.pdf.”

When it is necessary to perform heat insulation with respect to the periphery, a resin or a ceramic with good thermal insulation performance is preferably used as a material for the vortex-effect generating portion 1. When it is necessary to radiate heat, a metal with a good thermal conductivity is suitable for a material for the vortex-effect generating portion 1. Whether heat insulation is performed or heat radiation is performed is one of design items determined in accordance with performance or costs of the dehumidifying apparatus, which can be suitably determined.

The vortex-effect generating portion 1 is formed in the tubular shape with the annular shape in cross section (a rotation symmetric shape with respect to the central axis 23). Therefore, the swirling of the gas to be dehumidified is not disturbed, and the gas can be swirled stably with a small loss. It is not necessary that an inner diameter of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 be fixed and the inner diameter may vary as in later-described embodiments. Also in the present exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is reduced at a place where the moisture collection portion 4 is installed.

Reduction in temperature of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is determined by the shape of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 and a flow rate or a pressure of the gas. As the temperature is reduced most in the vicinity of the central axis 23 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is preferably arranged in a position of the central axis 23 or in a position in the vicinity of the central axis 23. In the portion where the temperature of the gas is reduced, the supercooled state where dew condensation is not generated even at a dew point temperature or less exists. However, the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is installed at a portion where the temperature is reduced, supercooling is alleviated and dew condensation is generated.

As a material for the dew-condensation generating portion 3, a material with a good thermal conductivity, specifically, a metal or the like is preferable. As examples of metals, for example, aluminum, SUS and the like can be cited. As a shape of the dew-condensation generating portion 3, a shape in which the swirling flow of the gas to be dehumidified is not easily disturbed and the gas can be swirled with a small loss is preferable.

In FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B), an example of a columnar dew-condensation generating portion 3 that is arranged so that a central axis of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 corresponds to the central axis 23 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is shown. It is also preferable to adopt a cylindrical dew-condensation generating portion 3 arranged along the central axis 23. However, when an extremely thin material is used, there may be a case where a thermal capacity is too small and dew-condensation is not easily generated. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a design in consideration of the thermal capacity.

Dew condensation generated in the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is divided into two ways, that is, dew condensation is collected after the dew condensation is blown off to a wall surface of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 by the swirling flow of the gas or collected before being blown off as described later. In FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B), a structure of the moisture collecting portion 4 that collects dew condensation blown off to the wall surface of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 by the swirling flow of the gas is shown for making operations of the dehumidifying apparatus easy to understand. However, the structure of the moisture collecting portion 4 is not limited to such structure. Examples of the moisture collecting portion 4 will be explained in later-described embodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment, the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is a closed end, and the gas outflow portion 5 as an opening is provided at an end surface on the downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1. Therefore, a gas flowing into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 and dehumidified there flows out from the gas outflow portion 5. Though the low-temperature gas and the high-temperature gas may be discharged from separate exits in a vortex tube, the gas is discharged from one gas outflow portion 5 in the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present embodiment.

A compression machine, such as a compressor (approximately 100 kPa or more), is necessary for operating the dehumidifying apparatus for compressed air disclosed in Patent Literature 3. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a gas to be dehumidified can be pressure-fed or sucked by a pump mechanism in a level called a blowing machine, such as a blower (approximately 10 kPa to 100 kPa) or a fan (approximately 10 kPa or less). Therefore, energy required for dehumidification can be reduced as compared with the dehumidifying apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 3.

In the present embodiment, the gas swirling inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is reduced in temperature at a place where a flow velocity is increased and a pressure is reduced. A processing flow rate is determined, and distribution of the velocity, pressure and temperature of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is determined by a force of being pressure-fed from the upstream side, a force of being sucked from the downstream side, and the shape of the vortex-effect generating portion 1. For example, the blower is used for pressure feeding or suction, a reduction amount of temperature of the gas flowing in the vicinity of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 can be controlled by the number of rotations of the blower. That is, a condensation amount generated in the dew-condensation generating portion 3 can be controlled (a dehumidification amount can be controlled).

In this case, heat is not exchanged with respect to the outside for generating dew condensation. Assuming that the flow velocity and the pressure are the same when the gas flows in and when the gas flows out, the gas increased in flow velocity and reduced in temperature in the vicinity of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is increased in temperature when the gas flows out as compared with the gas when it flows in by an effect of condensation heat generated due to dew condensation (heat generated when a gas becomes a liquid). After that, a gas having a target temperature and humidity can be obtained by reducing only the temperature of the gas without performing dehumidification. Therefore, the temperature and the humidity can be separately controlled.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the dehumidifying apparatus capable of separately controlling the temperature and the humidity and improving dehumidification efficiency while saving energy without requiring material reproduction, such as in desiccant-type dehumidification.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 2 (A) is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 2(B) is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying apparatus of FIG. 2(A), in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B). In the present embodiment, another embodiment of the air inflow portion according to the first embodiment will be explained.

In the first embodiment, the gas is allowed to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 by using the gas inflow portion 2 provided on the side surface of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, particularly so as to penetrate the inner wall from the outer wall of the tubular-shaped vortex-effect generating portion 1.

In the present embodiment, the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 is also a closed end. However, a cylindrical protrusion 205 is provided so as to protrude from an end surface on the upstream side toward the inside of the vortex-effect generating portion 1. The protrusion 205 has a shape in which an upstream side is an open end and a downstream side is a closed end. Then, a gas inflow portion 2 a is provided so as to penetrate an outer wall of the protrusion 205 from an inner wall of the protrusion 205 to be connected to the inside of the vortex-effect generating portion 1. A flowing direction 10 of the gas into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 from the gas inflow portion 2 a is a tangential direction of an inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 in the same manner as the first embodiment.

Accordingly, when a gas to be dehumidified is supplied to the protrusion 205, the gas flows from the protrusion 205 into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 through the gas inflow portion 2 a. Components other than the gas inflow portion 2 a are the same as those explained in the first embodiment.

Accordingly, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in the present embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3(B) is a perspective view obtained by enlarging a gas inflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus of FIG. 3(A), in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B). In the present embodiment, further another embodiment of the air inflow portion according to the first embodiment will be explained.

As described above, the gas to be dehumidified is allowed to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 from the side surface of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 in the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, a gas inflow portion 2 b allowing the gas to be dehumidified to flow from an end surface on the upstream side of a tubular shaped vortex-effect generating portion 1 a with an annular shape in cross section into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a is provided in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a is an open end. The gas inflow portion 2 b includes a plural number of blades 24 provided in the open end. The blades 24 are molded to have shapes in which the gas to be dehumidified swirls after proceeding along the blades 24 and flowing into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a from a tangential direction of an inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a.

In this case, it is desirable to arrange the plural number of blades 24 of the air inflow portion 2 b around the central axis 23 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a at equal angular intervals for obtaining the stable swirling flow of the gas with a small energy loss. It is necessary that the plural number of blades 24 have shapes whereby swirling directions of the gas are the same. A structure in which three pieces of blades 24 are provided is shown in the example of FIG. 3(A), but a structure having four pieces of blades 24 is shown for making the drawing easy in FIG. 3(B). FIG. 3(B) illustrates blades 24 for directing a swirl in a counter-clockwise direction in plan view, while FIG. 3(A) illustrates structure for directing a swirl in a clockwise direction in plan view. It should be understood that either direction would be acceptable with appropriate elements of the inventive apparatus.

Components other than the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a and the gas inflow portion 2 b are the same as those explained in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, connection with a small pressure loss can be achieved particularly when a pipe with the same diameter as an inner diameter of the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a is connected to the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 a to supply the gas to be dehumidified.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B). In the present embodiment, further another embodiment of the air inflow portion will be explained, and a plural number of air inflow portions 2 according to the first embodiment are provided.

In the present embodiment, plural gas inflow portions 2 are arranged on an outer wall around the central axis 23 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 at equal angular intervals, thereby reducing occurrence of eccentricity in the center of the gas swirling flow generated inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1 or distortion of vectors of the gas flow with respect to an ideal circular shape. As a result, a stable swirling flow of the gas with a small energy loss can be obtained. Components other than the gas inflow portion 2 are the same as those explained in the first embodiment. Though the two gas inflow portions 2 are provided in FIG. 4, three or more gas inflow portions 2 can be provided as a matter of course.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying apparatus of FIG. 5(A), in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(B). In the present embodiment, further another embodiment of the air inflow portion will be explained, in which a plural number of air inflow portions 2 a according to the second embodiment are provided.

In the present embodiment, plural air inflow portions 2 a are arranged at equal angular intervals in an inner wall of the protrusion 205 provided around the central axis 23 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, thereby obtaining a stable swirling flow with a small energy loss in the same manner as the fourth embodiment. Components other than the gas inflow portion 2 a are the same as those explained in the second embodiment. Though two gas inflow portions 2 a are provided in FIG. 5, three or more gas inflow portions 2 a can be provided as a matter of course.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, it goes without saying that the plural number of gas inflow portions 2 and 2 a are required to be provided so that swirling directions of the gas are directed in the same direction.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 1(A), FIG. 1(B) and FIG. 4.

A vortex-effect generating portion 1 b according to the present embodiment has a tubular portion with an annular shape in cross section in the same manner as in the first to fifth embodiments, but having a shape in which areas of cross sections perpendicular to the central axis 23 of a pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows are gradually reduced from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

Generally, in the case of one dimensional flow of compressive fluid, a flow velocity is increased and a temperature is reduced when the cross-sectional area of the pipe is reduced under a condition that the fluid flows at a sonic speed or less. The same phenomenon occurs also in the swirling flow of the gas, and the vortex effect is increased in the vicinity of a place where the cross-sectional area on the downstream side of the pipe is reduced and a further lower temperature can be created.

Components other than the vortex-effect generating portion 1 b are the same as those explained in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the structure of the gas inflow portion 2 explained in the fourth embodiment is adopted as the gas inflow portion. However, the structure is not limited to this, and structures of the gas inflow portions 2, 2 a, and 2 b explained in the first to third embodiments and the fifth embodiment may be adopted.

Though the moisture collecting portion is not shown in FIG. 6, structures of the moisture collecting portions according to a thirteenth embodiment and a fourteenth embodiment described later can be adopted.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 1(A), FIG. 1(B), and FIG. 4.

The dehumidifying apparatus according to the embodiment includes a tubular first vortex-effect generating portion 11 with an annular shape in cross section; a tubular second vortex-effect generating portion 12 with an annular shape in cross section connected so that a pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows communicates with a pipe of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 and having a place in which an area of a cross section perpendicular to the central axis 23 of the pipe is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the pipe of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11; the gas inflow portion 2; the dew-condensation generating portion (not shown); the moisture collecting portion (not shown); and the gas outflow portion 5.

An inner diameter of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 is fixed in the same manner as the vortex-effect generating portion 1 according to the first embodiment, and an upstream side of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 is a closed end. The second vortex-effect generating portion 12 having a fixed inner diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 is connected to an end portion on the downstream side of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11.

A gas flowing into the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 from the gas inflow portion 2 provided in the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 becomes a stable swirling flow and flows into the second vortex-effect generating portion 12. At this time, a flow velocity of the gas is increased and a temperature thereof is reduced as the cross-sectional area of the pipe is reduced.

As described above, the vortex-effect generating portion is divided into two pipes having different inner diameters in the present embodiment, thereby generating the vortex effect more effectively and creating a low temperature efficiently. It does not mean that the vortex effect is not generated at all in the first vortex-effect generating portion 11. The vortex effect can be further increased as the entire vortex effect generating portion by connecting the second vortex effect generating portion 12.

Though the dew-condensation generating portion is not shown in FIG. 7, the dew-condensation generating portion explained in the first embodiment may be arranged at a position of the central axis 23 or a position in the vicinity of the central axis 23 inside the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 as the temperature is reduced most in the vicinity of the central axis 23 of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12. The dew-condensation generating portion may be arranged so as to extend to the inside of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 on the upstream side.

Moreover, though the moisture collecting portion is not shown in FIG. 7, structures of moisture collecting portions according to the thirteenth embodiment and the fourteenth embodiment described later can be adopted. As the arrangement of the moisture collecting portion is one of design items in this case, the moisture collecting portion may be provided in either of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 and the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 or in both of them depending on where water drops are received.

The gas outflow portion 5 is provided in the second vortex-effect generating portion 12. The gas flowing into the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 and dehumidified there flows out from the gas outflow portion 5.

Eighth Embodiment

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 1(A), FIG. 1(B), FIG. 4, and FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, further another embodiment of the seventh embodiment will be explained.

In the seventh embodiment, the example of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 having a fixed inner diameter has been explained. On the other hand, the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 according to the present embodiment has a diffuser-like shape in which areas of cross sections perpendicular to the central axis 23 of a pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows gradually increase from the upstream side to the downstream side.

Accordingly, the cross sectional area of the pipe of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 becomes the smallest in a connecting part between the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 and the second vortex-effect generating portion 12. A flow velocity of a swirling gas that flows into the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 is increased and a temperature thereof is reduced in the vicinity of the connecting part. Other components are the same as those explained in the seventh embodiment.

In the present embodiment, it is also preferable that a nozzle-like shape in which areas of cross sections perpendicular to the central axis 23 of the pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows gradually reduce from the upstream side to the downstream side, as shown in FIG. 9, is adopted as the shape of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12. In the case of such shape, the cross sectional area of the pipe of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 becomes smallest in an end portion on the downstream side.

Also in the present embodiment, it is also preferable that a de Laval nozzle-like shape—in which areas of cross sections perpendicular to the central axis 23 of the pipe in which the gas to be dehumidified flows contract once and then expand from the upstream side to the downstream side, as shown in FIG. 10—be adopted as the shape of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12. In this case, the cross sectional area of the pipe of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 becomes the smallest in the middle of the pipe.

The vortex-effect generating portions shown in the seventh and eighth embodiments respectively have characteristic properties. A target temperature distribution of the gas is created by properly combining these vortex-effect generating portions. As the temperature distribution of the gas varies particularly according to the shape of the second vortex-effect generating portion, the second vortex-effect generating portion may be designed in accordance with necessary properties.

Though the structure explained in the fourth embodiment is adopted as the gas inflow portion in the seventh and eighth embodiments, the structure is not limited to this, and the structures of the gas inflow portions 2, 2 a, and 2 b explained in the first to third embodiments and the fifth embodiment may be adopted as a matter of course. Moreover, the gas inflow portion 2 having the same length as the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 is shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 10. However, an actual gas inflow portion can be designed with different lengths and widths (opening).

Ninth Embodiment

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, in which the same symbols are given to the same components as those of FIG. 1(A), FIG. 1(B), FIG. 4, and FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, a specific example of the dew-condensation portion will be explained.

The dew-condensation generating portion 3 according to the present embodiment has a columnar shape in which a central axis thereof corresponds to the central axis 23 of the vortex-effect generating portions 11 and 12. As explained in the first embodiment, the dew-condensation generating portion 3 preferably has a shape in which resistance is small with respect to the swirling flow of the gas to be dehumidified and the gas can be swirled with a small loss.

In order to arrange the dew-condensation generating portion 3 inside the vortex-effect generating portions 11 and 12, a support member for fixing is necessary. In the embodiment, a support portion 31 connecting between an end surface on the upstream side of the first vortex-effect generating portion 11 and an end surface on the upstream side of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is provided as a member for fixing the dew-condensation generating portion 3 and support portions 32 connecting between an inner wall on the downstream side of the second vortex-effect generating portion 12 and an end surface on the downstream side of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 are provided.

The support portions 31 and 32 preferably have a shape in which the resistance is small with respect to the swirling flow of the gas to be dehumidified in the same manner as the dew-concentration generating portion 3. As materials for the support portions 31 and 32, a metal and so on are preferable when strength is required due to the effect of the swirling flow, and a resin, a ceramic and so on are preferable when heat insulation is considered so that heat is not moved through the support portions 31 and 32. Whether priority is given to strength or heat insulation is one of design items determined depending on performance and costs, which may be suitably determined.

The moisture collecting portion and the gas outflow portion are the same as those explained in the first to eighth embodiments. Though the structure explained in the seventh embodiment is adopted as the vortex-effect generating portions in the present embodiment, the structures of the vortex-effect generating portions 1, 1 a, 1 b, 11, and 12 explained in the first to sixth embodiments and the eighth embodiment may be adopted as a matter of course.

Though the structure explained in the fourth embodiment is adopted as the gas inflow portion in the present embodiment, structures of the gas inflow portions 2, 2 a, and 2 b explained in the first to third embodiments and the fifth embodiment may be adopted, as a matter of course.

However, in the case where the structure of the gas inflow portion 2 b explained in the third embodiment is adopted, the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion is an open end. Therefore, it is difficult to adopt the structure such as the support portion 31. In this case, it is preferable that a support portion connecting between an inner wall on the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion and a side surface on the upstream side of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is provided in the same manner as the support portions 32.

Tenth Embodiment

Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 12(A) is a perspective view showing a structure of a dew-condensation generating portion of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12(B) and FIG. 12(C) are cross-sectional views of the dew-condensation generating portion of FIG. 12(A). In the present embodiment, another specific example of a dew-condensation generating portion will be explained.

The dew-condensation generating portion 3 according to the present embodiment has at least one structure of concave portions and convex portions on the surface thereof. In examples of FIG. 12(A) and FIG. 12(B), a plural number of concave portions 33 are provided on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3. In an example of FIG. 12(C), a plural number of convex portions 34 are provided on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3.

It is effective to increase a surface area of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 for increasing generation of dew condensation. However, the surface area is preferably increased to a degree that the increase of the surface area does not become a resistance of the swirling flow of the gas too much. Accordingly, a plural number of concave portions 33 or a plural number of convex portions 34 are dotted on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 in the present embodiment. It is also preferable that both the concave portions 33 and the convex portions 34 are provided. Other components are the same as those explained in the first to ninth embodiments.

As another structure of convex portions according to the present embodiment, it is also preferable that annular-shaped convex portions 34 a wound around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 are provided as shown in FIG. 12D. Similarly, annular-shaped concave portions (grooves) wound around the dew-condensation generating portion 3 may be provided. It is also preferable that both the above convex portions and the concave portions are provided.

Eleventh Embodiment

Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 13(A) is a perspective view showing a structure of a dew-condensation generating portion of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, further another specific example of a dew-condensation generating portion will be explained.

The dew-condensation generating portion 3 according to the present embodiment has a convex portion 35 wound around the surface thereof in a spiral manner. Concerning the movement of a gas on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3, the gas flows in the same direction as the swirling flow of the gas due to a pressure difference inside the vortex-effect generating portion as well as there is also a case where the gas flows backward. The backward flow in the present invention indicates a swirling flow directing from a downstream side to the upstream side in the vicinity of the central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion locally with respect to the normal swirling flow flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side (the same applies to the following).

It is preferable to form the convex portion 35 wound around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 in the spiral manner for gathering generated water drops in the upstream direction or the downstream direction depending on purposes. Therefore, the convex portion 35 is wound around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 in the spiral manner in the same direction as that of the swirling flow of the gas flowing in the vicinity of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 inside the vortex-effect generating portion.

In the present embodiment, the convex portion 35 winds around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 in the spiral manner as described above, thereby increasing the surface area of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 and increasing generation of dew condensation in the same manner as the tenth embodiment as well as gathering the generated water drops in a target direction with a small resistance to the swirling flow of the gas. Other structures are the same as those explained in the first to ninth embodiments.

It is also preferable to provide a concave portion 36 (groove) wound around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 in the spiral manner in the same direction as that of the swirling flow of the gas flowing in the vicinity of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 inside the vortex-effect generating portion, as shown in FIG. 13(B), instead of the convex portion 35.

In the case where the swirling flow of the gas flowing in the vicinity of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 flows backward with respect to the swirling flow of the gas flowing in an outer side thereof, the direction of the convex portion 35 or the concave portion 36 is reversely directed with respect to the swirling flow of the gas flowing in the outer side and, therefore, is in a direction of the swirling flow of the gas flowing in the vicinity of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 as a matter of course.

Twelfth Embodiment

Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In the present embodiment, further another specific example of a dew-condensation generating portion will be explained. In the case where the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is not hydrophilic, water drops 202 generated by condensation as shown in FIG. 14(A) are moved while being gathered as water drops by the flow on the surface, then, scatter at random when water drops are grown. A structure of the moisture collecting portion will be described later. A probability of re-evaporation will be reduced and the efficiency of collecting moisture is improved when moisture is blown off or sucked inside the dew-condensation generating portion 3 after the moisture is gathered in a target place rather than the case where water drops are scattered at random positions in the entire dew-condensation generating portion 3 and, thereby, increasing the probability of re-evaporation.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, at least part of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is treated to be hydrophilic. Hydrophilic treatment on the surface of the metal dew-condensation generating portion 3 is a well-known technique. When at least part of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is treated to be hydrophilic, water drops 202 generated by condensation are thinly spread at hydrophilic places as shown in FIG. 14(B) and they are hardly blown off even by the swirling flow. Therefore, the water drops can be moved to a target place. As a result, dehumidification efficiency can be improved in the present embodiment.

It is also preferable that the concave portions or the convex portions explained in the tenth and eleventh embodiments are provided on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3. Other structures are the same as those explained in the first to ninth embodiments.

Thirteenth Embodiment

Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 15(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a specific example of a moisture collecting portion will be explained. In FIG. 15(A), 201 denotes a swirling flow of a gas, 202 denotes water drops generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion 3, 203 denotes water drops blown off to an outer side by the swirling flow, and 204 denotes water drops accumulated in a moisture collecting portion 4 a.

The water drops 202 generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion 3 flow backward with respect to the outer swirling flow of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1, being blown off on an upper end of the dew-condensation generating portion 3, and abutting on an inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 to move to the moisture collecting portion 4 a by gravity and the swirling flow.

As described above, the moisture collecting portion 4 a according to the present embodiment collects moisture blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion 3 by the swirling flow of the gas and by gravity. Where the moisture condensed on the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is blown off and where the moisture collecting portion 4 a is arranged are design items including the processing flow rate, which may be suitably designed. Other components are the same as those explained in the first to the twelfth embodiments.

FIG. 15(B) shows a structure in which a sheet-like porous body 40 is arranged on an inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 as part of the structure of the moisture collecting portion 4 b. That is, water drops 202 condensed on the dew-condensation generating portion 3 flow backward with respect to the outer swirling flow of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion 1, being blown off on the upper end of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 and absorbed by the sheet-like porous body 40 arranged on the inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1, then, moved to the moisture collecting portion 4 b along the porous body 40.

In order to allow moisture to continuously move, moisture accumulated in the moisture collecting portion 4 b is regularly discharged to prevent re-absorption of the collected moisture by the porous body 40 and, thereby, hindering absorption of the scattered moisture. The moisture is evaporated by, for example, heating or evacuating the porous body 40, and evaporated moisture is discharged or sucked to thereby continuously absorb the moisture. It is also preferable to arrange a sheet having a capillary structure (for example, a wick) on the inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 instead of the porous body 40.

Fourteenth Embodiment

Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 16(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a specific example of a moisture collecting portion will be explained. In FIG. 16(A), 201 denotes a swirling flow of a gas, 202 denotes water drops generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion 3, 204 denotes water drops accumulated in a moisture collecting portion 4 c, 206 denotes water drops sucked into the dew-condensation generating portion 3, and 207 denotes water drops moving toward the moisture collecting portion 4 c inside the dew-condensation generating portion 3.

In the thirteenth embodiment, moisture blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion 3 is collected by the swirling flow of the gas and by gravity. On the other hand, a dew-condensation generating portion 3 c and the moisture collecting portion 4 c according to the present embodiment collect moisture condensed on the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c by the swirling flow of the gas and by gravity before the moisture is blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c.

In the example of FIG. 16(A), water drops 202 generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c move on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c along the flow in the vicinity of the surface. The dew-condensation generating portion 3 c includes holes 37 formed on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c and a hole 38 formed inside the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c so as to communicate with the holes 37 and the moisture collecting portion 4 c.

As the moisture collecting portion 4 c is set to be a lower pressure than on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c by a not-shown suction means, the water drops 202 passing the vicinity of holes 37 of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 c are sucked from the holes 37 and further sucked to the moisture collecting portion 4 c further through the hole 38. Dimensions, positions, low pressure levels, and so on, of the holes 37 and the hole 38 may be appropriately designed. Other structures are the same as those explained in the first to twelfth embodiments.

FIG. 16(B) shows a structure in which porous bodies 39 are provided on the surface and an inner side of a dew-condensation generating portion 3 d as part of the structure of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 d. The porous bodies 39 are provided so as to connect paths from the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 d to the moisture collecting portion 4 d. In the example of FIG. 16(B), the water drops 202 condensed on the dew-condensation generating portion 3 d move on the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion 3 d along the flow in the vicinity of the surface. The water drops 202 are absorbed by the porous bodies 39 and move to the moisture collecting portion 4 d through the porous bodies 39.

In order to allow moisture to continuously move, moisture accumulated in the moisture collecting portion 4 d is regularly discharged to prevent re-absorption of the collected moisture by the porous bodies 39 and, thereby stopping the absorption of scattered moisture. The moisture is evaporated by, for example, heating or evacuating the porous bodies 39, and evaporated moisture is discharged or sucked to thereby continuously absorb the moisture. It is also preferable to use a sheet having a capillary structure (for example, a wick) instead of the porous bodies 39.

To drain moisture accumulated in the moisture collecting portions 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d by providing a drain (drain opening) in the moisture collecting portions 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d explained in the first, thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments is a common method and does not relate to the essence of the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present invention. Therefore, explanation of a structure for removing moisture from the moisture collecting portions 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d is omitted.

Fifteenth Embodiment

Next, a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a structure of a dehumidifying apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. In the dehumidifying apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the dehumidifying apparatus explained in the first to fourteenth embodiments is regarded as one unit, plural units are cascade connected so that a gas outflow portion 5-1 of a previous-stage unit 100-1 is connected to a gas inflow portion 2-2 of a next-stage unit 100-2. In the present embodiment, when dehumidification is not sufficient in one unit, units are formed in a multistage structure, thereby further improving dehumidifying ability as dehumidification can be performed in respective units.

Though the structure in which two units 100-1 and 100-2 are cascade connected is shown in the example of FIG. 17, three or more units may be connected. However, the pressure loss is increased and necessary energy (power of a pump mechanism) is increased. Therefore, consideration is required at the time of design. In FIG. 17, the structure of the air inflow portion explained in the fourth embodiment is adopted as the structure of the gas inflow portion 2-1 of the unit 100-1, and the structure of the gas inflow portion explained in the fifth embodiment is adopted as the gas inflow portion 2-2 of the unit 100-2. However, the structures of respective units may be appropriately selected.

Sixteenth Embodiment

Next, a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 18 is a view showing a structure of a dehumidifying system according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows a dehumidifying system in which a gas to be dehumidified is sucked by a pump mechanism 6 arranged on the downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion explained in the first to fifteenth embodiments.

When the gas to be dehumidified is sucked by the pump mechanism 6, the gas flows into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 from the gas inflow portion 2 and flows out from the gas outflow portion 5 after being dehumidified. The gas outflow portion 5 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 and the pump mechanism 6 are connected by a connecting flow path 7. As the pump mechanism 6 in this case, a blower, a high-pressure fan, and so on, can be used.

FIG. 19 shows a dehumidifying system in which the gas to be dehumidified is pressure-fed by a pump mechanism 6 a arranged on the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion explained in the first to fifteenth embodiments. When the gas to be dehumidified is pressure-fed by the pump mechanism 6 a, the gas flows into the vortex-effect generating portion 1 from the gas inflow portion 2 and flows out from the gas outflow portion 5 after being dehumidified. The pump mechanism 6 a and the gas inflow portion 2 of the vortex-effect generating portion 1 are connected by a connecting flow path 7 a. As the pump mechanism 6 a in this case, a compressor, a blower, a high-pressure fan, and so on, can be used.

It is necessary to allow the gas to flow into the apparatus as explained in the present embodiment for making the mechanism explained in the first to fifteenth embodiments actually operate as the dehumidifying apparatus. In order to allow the gas to flow in, there are two methods: to feed the pressurized gas from the upstream side as in the example shown in FIG. 19 or to suck the gas from the downstream as in the example shown in FIG. 18. As an essential operation as the dehumidifying system does not differ, either of the two methods is preferably selected to perform design corresponding to the method.

In the first to sixteenth embodiments, the case where the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion from which the gas flows is placed on an upper side with respect to earth (gravity) has been explained. However, even in a case where the downstream side is placed on the upper side and the upstream side is placed on the lower side, in a case where the upstream side and the downstream side are placed on the same height (namely, the vortex-effect generating portion is placed sideways) and other cases, the essential operation as the dehumidifying apparatus does not differ. Therefore, when moisture is collected by utilizing gravity, the direction of the apparatus is designed so that moisture moves in a direction in which the moisture is collected.

In the first to sixteenth embodiments, the dehumidifying apparatus is assumed to be used for air conditioning and so on. As the swirling flow of the gas is utilized, particles such as dust flowing into the vortex-effect generating portions 1, 1 a, 1 b, 11, and 12 with the gas are blown off to the outer side of the swirling flow. The apparatus can be functioned also as an air cleaner by collecting particles by utilizing the above phenomenon.

Also in the first to sixteenth embodiments, moisture generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portions 3, 3 c, and 3 d can be blown off to wall surfaces of the vortex-effect generating portions 1, 1 a, 1 b, 11, and 12 or wall surfaces of the moisture collecting portions 4, 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c by the swirling flow of the gas, and when the moisture is collected, dust and the gas dissolved in the moisture can also be collected together with the moisture.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be applied to a dehumidifying apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS

-   -   1, 1 a, 1 b, 11, 12 . . . vortex-effect generating portion;     -   2, 2 a, 2 b, 2-1, 2-2 . . . gas inflow portion,     -   3, 3 c, 3 d . . . dew-condensation generating portion;     -   4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d . . . moisture collecting portion;     -   5, 5-1, 5-2 . . . gas outflow portion;     -   6, 6 a . . . pump mechanism;     -   7, 7 a . . . connecting flow path;     -   24 . . . blade;     -   31, 32 . . . support portion;     -   33, 36 . . . concave portion;     -   34, 34 a, 35 . . . convex portion;     -   37, 38 . . . hole;     -   39, 40 . . . porous body;     -   100-1, 100-2 . . . unit; and     -   205 . . . protrusion. 

1. A dehumidifying apparatus comprising: a tubular vortex-effect generating portion; a gas inflow portion that allows a gas to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion to thereby generate a swirling flow of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion, the swirling flow of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion being separated into a lower temperature swirling flow that is lower than a dew point of the gas and a higher temperature swirling flow; a dew-condensation generating portion arranged at a location inside the vortex-effect generating portion where the lower temperature swirling flow flows to generate dew condensation on a surface thereof; a moisture collecting portion collecting condensed moisture; and a gas outflow portion provided at an end portion on a downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion on an opposite side of an upstream side where the gas inflow portion is provided, from which the gas flowing in from the gas inflow portion flows out, wherein the gas enters through the gas inflow portion by being pressure-fed from the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion, or by being sucked in the upstream side from the downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion.
 2. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vortex-effect generating portion has an annular shape in cross section, the gas inflow portion generates the swirling flow of the gas inside the vortex-effect generating portion by allowing the gas into the vortex-effect generating portion from a tangential direction of an inner wall of the vortex-effect generating portion, the dew-condensation generating portion is arranged at a position of a central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion or a position in a vicinity of the central axis, and the gas outflow portion is arranged on the end portion on the downstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion.
 3. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gas inflow portion allows the gas to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion from a side surface of the vortex-effect generating portion.
 4. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gas inflow portion allows the gas to flow into the vortex-effect generating portion from an end surface on the upstream side of the vortex-effect generating portion.
 5. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of gas inflow portions are arranged around a central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion at equal angular intervals.
 6. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vortex-effect generating portion has a shape in which areas of cross sections perpendicular to a central axis of a pipe in which the gas flows are reduced from the upstream side toward the downstream side.
 7. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vortex-effect generating portion comprises a tubular first vortex-effect generating portion with an annular shape in cross section, and a tubular second vortex-effect generating portion with an annular shape in cross section connected so that a pipe of the second vortex-effect generating portion in which the gas flows communicates with an end portion on a downstream side of a pipe of the first vortex-effect generating portion, wherein an area of a cross section perpendicular to a central axis of the pipe of the second vortex-effect generating portion is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the pipe of the first vortex-effect generating portion, wherein the gas inflow portion allows the gas to flow into the first vortex-effect generating portion from an upstream side of the first vortex-effect generating portion, wherein the dew-condensation generating portion is arranged at a place where the lower temperature swirling flow of gas flows in at least one of the first and second vortex-effect generating portions, and wherein the gas outflow portion is provided at an end portion on a downstream side of the second vortex-effect generating portion.
 8. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dew-condensation generating portion has a columnar or cylindrical shape arranged along a central axis of the vortex-effect generating portion.
 9. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dew-condensation generating portion has at least one structure of concave portions and convex portions on a surface thereof.
 10. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dew-condensation generating portion has a structure with one or more of a concave portion and a convex portion wound around the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion in a same direction as the lower temperature swirling flow of the gas flowing in a vicinity of the surface of the dew-condensation generating portion.
 11. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dew-condensation generating portion has a hydrophilic portion on at least part of the surface thereof.
 12. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moisture collecting portion collects moisture blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion by the swirling flow of the gas and by gravity.
 13. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moisture collecting portion collects moisture generated by condensation on the dew-condensation generating portion by the swirling flow of the gas and by gravity before being blown off from the dew-condensation generating portion.
 15. The dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the vortex-effect generating portion, the gas inflow portion, the dew-condensation generating portion, the moisture collecting portion, and the gas outflow portion are regarded as one unit, a plurality of units are cascade connected so that a gas outflow portion of a previous-stage unit is connected to a gas inflow portion of a next-stage unit.
 16. A dehumidifying system comprising: the dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1; a pump mechanism sucking a dehumidified gas from the gas outflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus; and a connecting flow path connecting between the gas outflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus and the pump mechanism.
 17. A dehumidifying system comprising: the dehumidifying apparatus according to claim 1; a pump mechanism pressure feeding a gas to be dehumidified to the gas inflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus; and a connecting flow path connecting between the pump mechanism and the gas inflow portion of the dehumidifying apparatus. 